Those who choose to ride motorcycles do so for the freedom and style that can’t be achieved with a traditional vehicle. However, motorcyclists also face an increased risk for injury and accident.
To help motorcyclists better understand their rights as operators on roadways, especially with general vehicular drivers, here are some frequently asked questions about motorcycles and motorcycle accidents.
What if I was going straight through an intersection and was hit by a car turning left?
In the case of a vehicle taking a left-hand turn through an intersection, the driver doing so is almost always at fault. Drivers and riders going straight have the right away in multiple situations. However, there are exceptions to this scenario, particularly if the operator going straight was speeding excessively or ran a red light. If you were hit on your motorcycle by a car turning left and you sustained injuries, you should contact a personal injury attorney to seek compensation.
What is comparative negligence and does it apply to motorcyclists?
Say that you were riding your motorcycle one night and you were hit by a car. You then proceed to sue the other driver for damages. Then it is found out that you were driving at night without a working tail light. In this instance, the judge or jury might use comparative negligence to distribute fault among both parties involved, since your own negligence contributed towards the accident. It would be referenced as a percentage based on how much fault each party contributed. So if you tried suing for $100,000 and the judge found you to be 30% at fault, then you’d only be able to recover $70,000.
What should I do if I’ve been in a motorcycle accident?
The first thing you should do is hire a personal injury attorney. However, if you are unable to do so, then it is important to never sign any documentation that admits fault or verbally claim fault. Always remember to take photos of the accident as well as copies of any medical bills.
Motorcycle accidents can be dangerous, if not fatal in some cases. Motorcycle and car accidents account for over 35% of new spinal cord injuries annually. If you have any questions regarding a specific incident involving a motorcycle, you should consult a qualified attorney.
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